House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Transport Update: Changes to International Maritime Law
18 January 2024 · Department for Transport
Proposed by Guy Opperman Con Hexham
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The UK has updated its legislation to incorporate recent changes to international maritime law as of January 1, 2024.
- Updates include amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and related codes.
- Changes aim to enhance maritime safety through improvements in construction standards, fire protection, life-saving equipment, radiocommunications, and high-speed craft operation.
Issue summary
The statement provides updates on changes to international maritime law that have been incorporated into UK legislation as of January 1, 2024.
Action requested
No specific action is requested. The statement informs about the implementation of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and related codes, which aim to enhance maritime safety through updates in construction standards, fire protection, life-saving equipment, radiocommunications, and high-speed craft operation.
Key facts
- The legislative changes came into force on January 1, 2024.
- SOLAS amendments affect five chapters of the convention, impacting ship construction, fire safety systems, life-saving appliances, radiocommunications, and high-speed craft codes.
- Domestic maritime secondary legislation includes ambulatory reference provisions to ensure alignment with updated international obligations.